How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower and realized that the water hasn’t been draining, you know how frustrating it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, but it can also be difficult to clean after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The positive side lies in the a lot of natural ways to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the environment.
- There are many natural methods to unblock a shower drain, such as using vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a dry/wet vacuum.
- Use the baking soda method and vinegar, gather supplies, remove the drain cover and any obstructions, and pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger, leaving the other end in its original shape, create a hook at the end, insert it in the drain and let it catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode, cover overflow drains with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal, then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water following each use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin, gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2. Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover if possible and use tiny brushes or a toothbrush to remove dirt or hair around the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by a cup of white vinegar. Then cover this drain immediately with a towel or a towel to ensure that the reaction doesn’t go out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes as the mix does its work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush with boiling water. This should clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow without a hitch.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a sturdy wire hanger
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving one end as it was in its original form.
Step 2: Design an Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain, and then fish to look for hair as well as debris. Get rid of anything that comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be the best option for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" and "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions in your shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain is completely or partially blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain. It will be followed by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use the mixture of baking soda and salt, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger can also aid.
Can I employ chemical drain cleaners in order to clear my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes over time. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health hazards for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I get in touch with a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY techniques don’t work in clearing your shower drain, it’s recommended to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Local Blocked Drains Sydney in Sydney for help. Other indications that you require professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets strange noises of pipes gurgling or smells that are foul from the drains despite cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by a plumber?
The cost to fix the problem of a blocked shower drain will vary depending on the severity of the problem and where you reside. On average, it costs between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repairs or replacement could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be difficult, but there are plenty of natural methods to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, remember to take steps to prevent future blockages by making use of a hair strainer in your shower and running hot water after each use, and refraining from spilling grease down your drains. If none of these options succeed, it’s time to call in professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or having trouble with plumbing issues at Sydney , contact Local Blocked Drains Sydney today!
Additional Information
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Discovering the Main Causes of Clogged Drains
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Drain Blockages in Your Home or Business
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Ultimate Solution Ever
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
